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| Ready to hit the road on Day 2 |
After a busy and very moving first day I didn't know what to expect on Day 2 of this trip as we prepared to visit sponsored elders in the Santa Ana area. The day began with prayer which was lead by a beautiful 88 year old woman who was barely 4 feet tall. Her energy and enthusiasm inspired and energized us as did the stories of some of the other elders who attended. Being an elder myself (73 years old) I became filled with gratitude for what we have here in the US. For one thing there is no social security or anything like it in El Salvador and in most of the other countries where
Unbound is present, nor is there anything like Medicaid.a s a result the elderly, especially if there are no family members nearby to help, are in a difficult position.
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| Fr. Marty Holler with sponsored elders |
After breakfast we were split into two groups and visited gatherings of elders. As was the case with the sponsored children and parents community is a vital part of Unbound. Elders groups meet monthly to share experiences and encourage one another. They also receive benefits differently than the children as each month a different benefit is given. At this gathering new shoes for all, dresses for the women and pants and shirts for the men were given. At other time medical check-ups, medicines or a recreational experience may be the benefit. Some may think that recreation is rather superfluous as a benefit but most of these fine folks don't really get a chance to do simple things like going to a beach. As was the case with the mothers groups there was much singing and some serious prayer as well as a well-prepared hot breakfast.
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| Entering the home of an elder woman |
In the afternoon in three different groups we visited the homes of some of the elders. In my case a few of us visited a woman who lived in a very poor home and was so appreciative of being sponsored. She told us that sponsorship saved her life because it provided her with needed medicine. She did have a son and a neighbor who looked after her. In spite of the simple condition of her home with a dirt floor the home was filled with love and again with gratitude and hope.
After two days of heading out for visits our next day kept us home at the
Unbound center for a Christmas party for some of the
Unbound communities in the Santa Ana area.
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| Inside the Unbound property |
At this celebration we were again warmly greeted by
Unbound families. Gifts were exchanged among them and given to us as well (a nice bag of fresh ground robust El Salvadoran coffee) . There were several wonderful song and dance presentations reflecting both traditional folk lore and modern music and dance as well. That is another aspect of
Unbound. The sponsored children and teens are encouraged to develop their various talents and learn more about their culture. And just as it would be here at home Santa made an appearance. The morning ended with a fine lunch
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| Santa |
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| Lunch at the Christmas Party |
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| Each colored ball had an expression of gratitude on it |
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| Gathering for the entertainment |
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